The main fluorescent pH indicators

The main fluorescent pH indicator probes are based on fluorescein and therefore it is important to understand the pH-dependent ionic equilibria of it and its derivatives, hi aqueous solutions above pH 9 the phenolic and carboxylic acid functional groups in the molecule are almost totally ionised (Figure 3.14). Upon acidification of the dianion, firstly, protonation of the phenolic group occurs (pK 6.4) to yield the monoanion followed by the carboxylic acid (pA < 5), giving the neutral species of fluorescein. On further acidification the fluorescein cation pK 2.1) is generated. In strongly acidic environments fluorescein is non-fluorescent, only the mono-anion and di-anions are fluorescent, with quantum yields of 0.37 and 0.93, respectively. The pH-dependent absorption spectrum of fluorescein exhibits a blue-shift and... 

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